South Carolina is known for its great beaches, charming historic towns, and impressive golf courses. When planning a visit, you may be interested in a trip to a well-known spot such as Myrtle Beach or Charleston. These destinations are both wonderful, but if you’re looking for more of a small-town vibe for your weekend getaway, Conway is full of hidden gems for the whole family. Let’s explore this charming small town in South Carolina.
Located a short driving distance from Myrtle Beach, Conway is one of the oldest towns in South Carolina. This quintessential southern spot offers many unique experiences to fill your days with the historic downtown boasts wonderful shops, restaurants, activities, and more.
Conway is worth a trip any time of year, but many aren’t aware that this small town is especially wonderful during Autumn. The streets of the historic downtown are fully decked out in delightful Halloween decor during October. If you’re looking for something memorable to enjoy this season near the coast of South Carolina, Conway might be the perfect spot.
Getting To Conway
If you’re coming from Myrtle Beach, Conway is only a 30-40 minute drive via the US 501 N. If you’re staying in Myrtle Beach and looking for something a little more low-key, Conway is certainly worth a day trip. But if you have more time to spend, a weekend in this charming small town is a great amount of time for a memorable and eventful visit.
Where To Stay
Conway has some one-of-a-kind options when it comes to finding a place to stay. Check out the cottages at the Carolina Pines RV Resort for a truly special overnight experience. These cozy cottages are equipped for cooking and offer many onsite amenities for guests. This experience provides a happy medium between renting a vacation home and camping.
A Bed And Breakfast Located In Downtown Conway
If you’d rather stay closer to the enjoyment of downtown but would still prefer a unique stay, look no further than the Cypress Inn. Located on the Waccamaw River, this lovely Bed and Breakfast is known for its beautiful themed rooms, incredible hospitality, and delicious food. A visit to the Cypress Inn alone would undoubtedly be unforgettable.
What To Do
If you want to take a break from wandering around the cute streets of downtown, pay a visit to Waccamaw Outfitters. Yes, it is partly another shopping opportunity, but it’s also so much more- this is an opportunity to take a guided tour through the alluring Waccamaw river. A true hidden treasure of South Carolina, the black waters of the river run approximately 140 miles through North and South Carolina. Waccamaw Outfitters is located right on the river, offering tours or kayak rentals to visitors.
The Waccamaw River
The Waccamaw River flows through North and South Carolina. The water contains tannin as a result of decomposed leaf debris, resulting in the black waters it's known for.
Experience Live Theater in Downtown Conway
This small town also offers live theater! Running for over 53 years, the Theatre of the Republic on Main Street brings arts and culture to this region through musical theater and drama. Visit their website to see what’s playing and learn more about this theater's legacy.
Ann Booth Jewelry Is One Of Many Great Local Shops Downtown
Aside from all the Halloween fun, Conway offers plenty of activities. Downtown is filled with several lovely shops- whether you are looking for vintage apparel, antiques, gifts, or something very special, there’s really something for everyone. You’re sure to have a great time strolling through the old-fashioned streets while you shop.
Where To Eat
Pay a visit to Carolina Cheese and Provisions if you’re seeking something with a pleasant ambiance. This cafe specializes in a variety of cheeses, charcuterie boards, and gelato. They serve sandwiches and salads as well, so there’s something on the menu for everyone.
A More Upscale Experience
There are numerous options for great local dining in Conway. Rivertown Bistro is known for its great seafood entrees, as well as sushi and drinks. They offer a unique seating situation upstairs where you can get a good view of the kitchen. There’s also a patio option that provides lovely views of downtown.
Jamaican Food in South Carolina
If you’ve had enough sit-down meals, Caribbean Jerk Chicken is a food truck known for its delicious Jamaican Cuisine and friendly staff. You probably wouldn’t expect to stumble upon Caribbean food in South Carolina, but this place will not disappoint. And with a reasonably priced menu, it’s worth a stop even if you aren’t staying in Conway.
Visiting During October
October is a wonderful time to visit Conway. Downtown is packed with extraordinary theming, contests, activities, and photo opportunities for visitors. It’s so magical this time of year that the city officially changed its name to "Halloween" during the month of October! Be sure to visit the events page to learn more about all the happenings this month.
With so many incredible spots to explore in South Carolina, it can be hard to choose somewhere to visit for a weekend getaway. But you really can’t go wrong with Conway. This picturesque and charming small town in South Carolina lies along the river and offers plenty of remarkable experiences for everyone. With an abundance of great local food, history, shopping, nature, and unique events, you will have a great time and make wonderful memories. You’ll get a great taste of what South Carolina has to offer while being close to the beach, yet away from the crowds.
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